Hinson says security a concern for lawmakers at all levels after Minnesota shootings

MASON CITY — Security has become a concern for lawmakers at all levels after the murder of a Minnesota state legislator and her husband as well as the shootings of another legislator and his wife.

North-central Iowa congresswoman Ashley Hinson says lawmakers are threatened all the time. “Well certainly, I get calls into my office all the time that are certainly concerning, and we pass those on regularly to Capitol Police. I think it’s sad that we’re in a place where we have to worry about that, but I think we all need to be able to do our job safely. My heart goes out to the families of those affected in the state of Minnesota.”

Hinson says she had to have a conversation with her family after learning the news about the tragedy in the Twin Cities.  “It’s a sad day that, you know I had to sit my children down and have a conversation with them about is it safe to answer the door or not. I hope we can tone down the rhetoric in the country. I will continue to do public events as long as it’s safe for me to do so.”

Hundreds gathered outside of Minnesota’s State Capitol on Wednesday night for a candlelight vigil honoring former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark who were fatally shot in their home. Hinson made her comments during a stop in Mason City earlier this week.